Kieron Pollard is the UAE in MI Emirates’ Blue and Gold is a pure vibe. He’s won an IPL in 2020, the ILT20 in 2024, and looks all set to bring it home in 2026 as well. At the Captains’ Press Conference on Monday (December 1), he had the entire MIE Fam book a Final’s date. Excerpts.. 

Thoughts on the ILT20 league

The place itself, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is relaxing. And now at the end of this year, we get to spend Christmas and New Year, so looking forward to that. It is the start of the UAE cricket season and it’s a good place to play cricket. It gives you the incentive as a cricketer to want to play. As a franchise, we look forward to participate in this tournament. Hopefully things go our way. 

On MI Emirates’ squad for this season 

Just continue to play consistent cricket. I think we have assembled a very good team, as we have done over the years. It is just a matter of understanding what is needed at a particular time to get over the line. We fell just short last year, having been defending champions. We know a thing or two about winning cricket matches. It is just a matter of putting it together at the right time. 

The X-factor for MIE this year

From a planning perspective we got exactly what we wanted. We are looking forward to seeing young Rohit (Bangash). He has been with us for a couple of years. Now, with a price tag on his name, that is where the pressure comes from. We try to play as a cricket team, not outperform each other, to try and win a cricket match. Just like in the movies there is a star and a co-star. Some days, some guys are going to perform and some just have to play the supporting role. He is an exciting swing bowler. He can bowl faster as well. You have the former captain, Muhammad Waseem, who has done well for UAE. We have Zahoor (Khan), who is not on the younger side, but we just want the guys to be the best versions of themselves. 

Where the ILT20 ranks among other T20 leagues 

You don’t want to put a number where the tournament ranks. Each tournament has its own variety as it goes along. In this tournament, you have a lot more internationals playing because of where it is situated. It is a great tournament. You see the best of international players playing this tournament. In itself the competition is going to be very, very high. 

On the motivation to keep playing at 38

Thanks for reminding everybody of my age (laughs). Cricket has given me everything. I still have the opportunity to play. I still feel fresh and young at times. For me, whatever I can give at any juncture, I do. T10 was about me lending my experience. I didn’t do much in the last couple of games which means I am fresh. Until the body says it can’t go anymore, I am going to continue playing. God has given me a talent. Hopefully some of these bowlers can bowl some half vollies so that I can continue playing longer (laughs). 

Message for all MI Emirates fans 

To the MI Emirates supporters, keep supporting, and see you in the New Year on the 4^th of January